The Sunset Idea Town 2013 includes two Idea Houses and courtyard guest cottages with a shared courtyard and outdoor living space. The homes are within a close walking distance to Seabrook’s local restaurant, market, and growing retail district. Seabrook was chosen as the 2013 Idea Town because of its ideals and commitment to community, walkability and nature. “We are looking to the past and seeing that we actually built much better communities, towns, villages, cities before the car was introduced. So we’re trying to bring those really amazing principles back into our lives.” explains Casey Roloff, Seabrook’s President.

The community is built around the concepts of New Urbanism, which promotes walkable neighborhoods, a range of housing types and commercial spaces worked into the mix. The environment, surrounding forest and the nearby Pacific Ocean also play a strong role in the community and are seamlessly woven into the town. Seabrook worked with Peter Brachvogel of BC&J Architects to design the homes, while the garden was designed Stephen Poulakos and the interior was decorated by Brian Paquette Interiors. The homes adhere to the community’s sustainability code and includes a tight thermal envelope, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, Energy Star appliances and lighting, and eco materials that promote healthy indoor air quality.

Public Tours of the Idea Town will begin on August 2 and will go through October 27 from 10 am to 5 pm Friday through Sunday only. The seaside town Seabrook is located about 2.5 hours away from Seattle.